LATER POEMS
THE LEGEND OF THE BABOUSHKA
A CHRISTMAS BALLAD
“There’s a star in the East!” he cried, Jasper, the gray, the wise, To Melchior and to Balthazar Up-gazing to the skies.
“Last night from my high tower I watched it as it burned, While all my trembling soul In awe and wonder yearned.
For I know the midnight heavens; I can call the stars by name— Orion and royal Ashtaroth And Cimah’s misty flame.
I know where Hesper glows, And where, with fiery eye, Proud Mars in burning splendor leads The armies of the sky.
But never have I seen A star that shone like this— The star so long foretold By sage and seer it is!